Villagers speak out against Tata housing plan

Kate Cronin

Nearly 150 angry residents have objected to a planning application by Tata Steel to build 31 homes of the edge of their village.

People living in Stanion say the controversial proposal, on a triangular portion of land between Brigstock Road and the A6116, will be have a detrimental impact on village life.

Corby Council’s planning department has received an 141 comments on the application which is due to be debated by the full council.

Local people have a range of objections which include the lack of amenities, including no village shop, an unacceptable increase in traffic, over-development in the village and lack of spaces available in Stanion Primary School.

There are also worries over the negative visual impact on the conservation area in the village and the capability of the sewerage system to cope with the increased capacity.

There is also a feeling that the village has already taken its share of housing growth with the development of Little Stanion.

Access to the new 1.3 hectare development, which is described as being on a ‘redundant greenfield site’, would be from Brigstock Road.

There will be a mix of private and affordable homes, with one bedroom maisonettes through to four-bedroomed family properties on the field which is slightly larger than a football pitch.

Vice chairman of Stanion Parish Council Cllr Gwen Reynolds said: “There are many different worries about the new development.

“We don’t think the road system can cope with the increase in traffic. It’s difficult enough as it is to get out on to the main road.

“We also know that the sewerage system is running at capacity and has been for some years.

“People are also very concerned because we know Tata own a lot of land around here and there are worries that this may be a sign of things to come.”

Tata’s Design and Access Statement says: “The development will provide much needed additional housing within Corby area and will contribute to the five year supply of deliverable sites.

“At the present time Corby Borough Council cannot demonstrate a five-year land supply.

“The affordable housing will offer the opportunity for prospective tenants on the council’s waiting list to be housed in new, up-to-date, modern dwellings.

“Harris Lamb submitted a pre-application inquiry to CBC in 2014. Through these pre-applciation discussions the council raised many concerns with the ability of the site to accomodate a residential development from a visual perspective or in terms of its access to service and facilities.”

You can see the plans and find out how to comment here or by visiting the Corby Cube and asking to view plan number 16/00066/OUT.